Limb suspension system

ABSTRACT

An archery bow includes a limb extending between opposing first and second ends. A limb pocket is operably coupled to the first end of the limb. A limb bolt actuator is positioned to retain the limb within the limb pocket for decoupling the limb from the limb pocket and dampening vibration exerted through the limb as the limb flexes and releases during each shot of the archery bow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and all the benefits of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/578,346, filed on Jun. 9, 2004 and entitled “Limb Suspension System.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an archery bow. More particularly, this invention relates to an actuator that absorbs shock after each shot of an archery bow to reduce vibration of the archery bow.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Archery bows typically include a pair of limbs each rigidly connected to a limb pocket or a riser. A wheel or cam is commonly rotatably attached to a distal end of the limbs and a bowstring and harness system is wound around the wheels or cams of the limbs. The limbs are typically flexible such that as the archery bow is drawn, potential energy is typically stored within the limbs themselves. When the bowstring is released, the potential energy is converted to kinetic energy for propelling an arrow as the limbs return to a rest position.

The accuracy of the archery bow largely depends on the elimination of extraneous motions of the archery bow. As the bowstring is released, the limbs vibrate causing the bowstring to oscillate as the arrow leaves the archery bow. The oscillation affects the trajectory of the arrow, greatly impacting accuracy while also causing unwanted noise and hand shock. Therefore, it is also desirable to provide an archery bow that absorbs shock after each shot for reducing vibration of the archery bow.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, an archery bow includes a limb extending between opposing first and second ends. A limb pocket receives the first end of the limb. A limb bolt actuator is positioned to retain the limb within the limb pocket for decoupling the limb from the limb pocket and dampening vibration exerted through the limb as the limb flexes and releases during each shot of the archery bow.

According to another aspect of the invention, an archery bow includes a riser extending between opposing ends. A limb is operably coupled to each of the opposing ends of the riser. A limb bolt actuator is positioned to retain each of the limbs against one of the opposing ends of the riser for decoupling the limbs from the riser and dampening vibration exerted through the limbs as the limbs flex and release during each shot of the archery bow.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, an archery bow includes a riser extending between opposing ends. First and second limbs each extend between opposing first and second ends. The first end of each of the first and second limbs is operably coupled to the riser. A limb pocket is operably coupled to each of the first and second limbs at the first end therof. A limb pocket actuator is positioned between the riser and the first end of each of the first and second limbs for decoupling the first and second limbs from the limb pocket and dampening vibration exerted through the first and second limbs as the first and second limbs flex and release during each archery bow shot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an archery bow including a riser and first and second limbs extending out from the riser;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the archery bow including a limb bolt actuator disposed adjacent the first limb;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the archery bow including the limb bolt actuator;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the archery bow including the limb bolt actuator fixedly secured to a limb pocket;

FIG. 5 is an exploded, perspective view of the limb bolt actuator;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, perspective view of an archery bow including the limb bolt actuator and a limb pocket actuator fixedly secured to the riser;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, rear perspective view of the archery bow showing the limb bolt and limb pocket actuators; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view depicting a housing and actuating member of the limb pocket actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, an archery bow, generally shown at 10, includes a riser 12 extending between opposing ends 14, 16. Although a compound bow is shown in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that the following description is equally applicable to other bows including, but not limited to, mechanical bows and cross bows. The archery bow 10 includes first 18 and second 20 limbs extending out from the respective ends 14, 16 of the riser 12. Each of the first 18 and second 20 limbs includes a first end 22 proximate to one end 14, 16 of the riser 12. A wheel or cam 24, 26 is rotatably coupled to an opposing second end 28 of each of the first 18 and second 20 limbs. A harness or cable system 30 and a bowstring 32 are wound around and between each wheel or cam 24, 26 and pulled in tension by the first 18 and second 20 limbs.

The archery bow 10 further includes a pair of limb pockets 34, 36 for pivotally attaching the respective first 18 and second 20 limbs to the opposing ends 14, 16 of the riser 12. A pocket axle 38 pivotally couples each of the respective limb pockets 34, 36 to the opposing ends 14, 16 of the riser 12. Specifically, each end 14, 16 of the riser 12 includes a pair of spaced apart fingers 40, 42, shown in FIG. 2, for receiving the pocket axle 38 therethrough.

A limb bolt actuator, generally indicated at 44, is positioned to retain the first end 22 of each of the first 18 and second 20 limbs within the respective limb pockets 34, 36 for decoupling the first 18 and second 20 limbs from the respective limb pockets 34, 36. Only the limb bolt actuator 44 associated with the first limb 18 and one of the limb pockets 34 will be shown and described from this point forward with the understanding that the same applies equally to the limb bolt actuator 44 associated with the second limb 20 and other limb pocket 36.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 5, the limb bolt actuator 44 includes a limb bolt 46 having a cap 48 and a threaded shaft 50 extending out therefrom. The cap 48 includes a screw head 52. The threaded shaft 50 is received within a cylindrical bore 54 formed in the limb pocket 34. Preferably, the cylindrical bore 54 is formed within a protrusion 55 of the limb pocket 34, which extends upwards through the first limb 18. The cylindrical bore 54 includes a screw thread 56 that rotatably engages the threaded shaft 50 of the limb bolt 46 for tightening and loosening the limb bolt 46 into and out of the cylindrical bore 54, respectively. It should, however, be appreciated that the attachment between the limb bolt 46 and the limb pocket 34 may be achieved in any of numerous ways.

The limb bolt actuator 44 also includes an actuating member 58 held between first 60 and second 62 interlocking devices or retainers. The actuating member 58 includes an aperture 64 for receiving the limb bolt 46 therethrough. It is, however, contemplated that the actuating member 58 may have any of various shapes and sizes. Preferably, the actuating member 58 is formed from an elastomeric material such as urethane or polyurethane in any durometer. Preferably, the durometer range for the elastomeric material is from 0 to 98 on the Shore 00 scale, 0 to 100 on the Shore A scale, and 0 to 75 on the Shore D scale.

It is also appreciated that the actuating member 58 may be a mechanical suspension system such as a coil spring, linear actuator, rotary actuator, and/or air bladder. If such a mechanical suspension system is utilized, the first 60 and second 62 interlocking devices may not be needed.

The first 60 and second 62 interlocking devices each includes an aperture 66 for receiving the limb bolt 46 therethrough. In addition, the first 60 and second 62 interlocking devices, which may be formed from a metal or plastic material, are shaped to complementarily and lockingly engage one another. Thus, the first 60 and second 62 interlocking devices are suited to retain and support the actuating member 58 therebetween. Depending on the elastomeric material chosen for the actuating member 58, the limb bolt actuator 44 may be a static or dynamic system such that the actuating member 58 in the limb bolt actuators 44 supports the entire load or a portion of the load of the first 18 and second 20 limbs.

A generally rigid limb bezel 68 receives the limb bolt 46 therethrough and is disposed between the cap 48 and the first interlocking device 60. The limb bezel 68 is formed from a metal material, preferably aluminum. The limb bezel 68 supports the limb bolt actuator 44 and retains the first limb 18 within the limb pocket 34. Further, the limb bezel 68 maintains the loading perpendicular to the limb bolt actuator 44.

The system lets the natural loading of the of archery bow 10 naturally compress the actuating member 58. In other words, although the limb bolt actuator 44 is rigidly connected to the limb pocket 34, the actuating member 58 is floatable even as it is retained between the first 60 and second 62 interlocking devices.

At rest, the archery bow 10 is statically supported while during the draw or at full draw, the first 18 and second 20 limbs pivot due to the increasing forces within the cable system 30. At the same time, the actuating members 58 compresses to store energy for dissipating shock after the shot of the archery bow 10. Thus, each limb bow actuator 44 acts as a shock absorber and isolator for dampening vibration exerted through the first 18 and second 20 limbs.

Referring back to FIG. 1, an actuating device, generally shown at 70, extends between each end 14, 16 of the riser 12 and the respective limb pockets 34, 36. The actuating device 70 includes a resilient material 72 and first 74 and second 76 connectors, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The resilient material 72 is preferably an elastomeric material such as urethane or polyurethane in any durometer.

A limb axle 78 extends through both the first connector 74 and a portion of one of the limb pockets 34. The first connector 74 thus rotates about the limb axle 78 to pivotally secure the limb support actuator 70 to the limb pocket 34. A riser axle 80 extends through both the second connector 76 and a portion of the riser 12. The second connector 76 thus rotates about the riser axle 80 to pivotally secure the limb support actuator 70 to the riser 12.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, an alternate embodiment of the archery bow 10 includes the limb bolt actuator 44 positioned to retain the first end 22 of the first limb 18 against one end 14 of the riser 12 for decoupling the first limb 18 from the riser 12. The bolt 46 is screwed into a swivel member 81 within an interior of the riser 12 to fixedly secure the limb bolt actuator 44 thereto. It is, however, contemplated that the attachment of the limb bolt actuator 44 to the riser 12 may be achieved in any of numerous ways. Apart from the site of attachment, the limb bolt actuator 44 that is secured to the riser 12 is identical to the limb bolt actuator 44 secured to the limb pocket 34 described above.

Although the limb bolt actuator 44 is shown coupling the first limb 18 to one end 14 of the riser 12, another limb bolt actuator 44 is provided to couple the second limb 20 to the other end 16 of the riser 12.

Once again, the system lets the natural loading of the of archery bow 10 naturally compress the actuating member 58. In other words, although the limb bolt actuator 44 is rigidly connected to the riser 12, the actuating member 58 is floatable even as it is retained between the first 60 and second 62 interlocking devices.

Still referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, a limb pocket actuator, generally shown at 82, is fixedly secured to one end 14 of the riser 12. The limb pocket actuator 82 is positioned between the end 14 of the riser 12 and the first limb 18 for decoupling the first limb 12 from the limb pocket 34. The limb pocket actuator 82 includes a housing 84 fixedly secured to the end 14 of the riser 12. The housing 84 is formed from a metal material, preferably aluminum.

A portion of an actuating member 86 is received within the housing 84, and a remaining portion of the actuating member 86 abuts an inboard surface 88 of the first limb 18. More specifically, the actuating member 86 is molded or bonded to the housing 84. Both the housing 84 and the actuating member 86 may have any of varying shapes or sizes. The actuating member 86 is preferably an elastomeric material such as urethane or polyurethane in any durometer. Preferably, the durometer range for the elastomeric material is from 0 to 98 on the Shore 00 scale, 0 to 100 on the Shore A scale, and 0 to 75 on the Shore D scale. Depending on the elastomeric material chosen for the actuating member 58, the limb pocket actuator 82 may be a static or dynamic system such that the actuating member 58 in the limb pocket actuators 82 supports the entire load or a portion of the load of the first 18 and second 20 limbs. Further, the actuating member 86 is floatable relative to the rigid and stationary housing 84.

It is appreciated that although the limb pocket actuator 82 is shown only with regard to the first limb 18 and one end 14 of the riser 12, the limb pocket actuator 82 is also secured to the other end 16 of the riser 12 adjacent the first end 22 of the second limb 20.

Finally, it is contemplated that although the limb bolt actuator 44 and the limb pocket actuator 82 are shown either with one another or with another actuator, such as the actuating device 70, in FIGS. 1 through 8, the archery bow 10 may be configured to include only one type of actuator, i.e., the limb bolt actuator 44 mounted in the limb pockets 34, 36, the limb bolt actuator mounted in the riser 12, or the limb pocket actuator 82.

The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. 

1. An archery bow comprising: a limb extending between opposing first and second ends; a limb pocket receiving said first end of said limb; and a limb bolt actuator positioned to retain said limb within said limb pocket for decoupling said limb from said limb pocket and dampening vibration exerted through said limb as said limb flexes and releases during each shot of the archery bow.
 2. An archery bow as set forth in claim 1 wherein said limb bolt actuator includes a bolt fixedly secured to said limb pocket.
 3. An archery bow as set forth in claim 2 wherein said limb bolt actuator includes an actuating member coupled to said bolt.
 4. An archery bow as set forth in claim 3 wherein said actuating member is formed from an elastomeric material.
 5. An archery bow as set forth in claim 4 wherein said limb bolt actuator includes first and second interlocking devices retaining said actuating member therebetween.
 6. An archery bow as set forth in claim 5 wherein said limb pocket includes a cylindrical bore for receiving said bolt therewithin.
 7. An archery bow as set forth in claim 6 wherein said actuating member is compressible.
 8. An archery bow as set forth in claim 7 wherein said actuating member supports the entire load of said limbs.
 9. An archery bow as set forth in claim 7 wherein said actuating member supports a portion of the load of said limbs.
 10. An archery bow as set forth in claim 5 wherein each of said first and second interlocking devices is formed from a metal material.
 11. An archery bow as set forth in claim 5 wherein each of said first and second interlocking devices is formed from a plastic material.
 12. An archery bow comprising: a riser extending between opposing ends; a limb operably coupled to each of said opposing ends of said riser; and a limb bolt actuator positioned to retain each of said limbs against one of said opposing ends of said riser for decoupling each of said limbs from said riser and dampening vibration exerted through said limbs as said limbs flex and release during each shot of the archery bow.
 13. An archery bow as set forth in claim 12 wherein said limb bolt actuator includes a bolt fixedly secured to said riser.
 14. An archery bow as set forth in claim 13 wherein said limb bolt actuator includes an actuating member coupled to said bolt.
 15. An archery bow as set forth in claim 14 wherein said actuating member is formed from an elastomeric material.
 16. An archery bow as set forth in claim 15 wherein said limb bolt actuator includes first and second interlocking devices retaining said actuating member therebetween.
 17. An archery bow as set forth in claim 16 wherein said riser includes a cylindrical bore for receiving said bolt therewithin.
 18. An archery bow as set forth in claim 17 wherein said actuating member supports the entire load of said limbs.
 19. An archery bow as set forth in claim 17 wherein said actuating member supports a portion of the load of said limbs.
 20. An archery bow comprising: a riser extending between opposing ends; first and second limbs each extending between opposing first and second ends, said first end of each of said first and second limbs operably coupled to said riser; a limb pocket operably coupled to each of said first and second limbs at said first end thereof; and a limb pocket actuator positioned between said first end of each of said first and second limbs and one end of said riser for decoupling each of said first and second limbs from each of said limb pockets and dampening vibration exerted through said first and second limbs as said first and second limbs flex and release during each archery bow shot.
 21. An archery bow as set forth in claim 20 wherein each of said limb pocket actuators includes a housing fixedly secured to one of said opposing ends of said riser.
 22. An archery bow as set forth in claim 21 wherein each of said limb pocket actuators includes an actuating member at least partially received within each of said housings and abutting a portion of each of said first and second limbs.
 23. An archery bow as set forth in claim 22 wherein each of said actuating members is formed from an elastomeric material.
 24. An archery bow as set forth in claim 23 wherein said actuating members support the entire load of said limbs.
 25. An archery bow as set forth in claim 23 wherein said actuating members support a portion of the load of said limbs.
 26. An archery bow as set forth in claim 23 wherein each of said housings is formed from a metal material.
 27. A limb actuator assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein said actuating member is molded to said housing.
 28. A limb actuator assembly as set forth in claim 26 wherein said actuating member is bonded to said housing. 